PROVIDENCE – On March 13, local television and digital media company LIN TV reached an agreement with DISH Network Corp., the nation’s third largest pay-TV provider, for the retransmission of LIN TV’s broadcast stations in both standard- and -high definition.

The deal covers television stations owned or operated by LIN TV in 17 markets.

In addition, DISH Network and LIN TV agreed to a new marketing deal designed to encourage consumers to switch to DISH Network if LIN TV’s local station signal is removed from a cable system.

Other details include an agreement to build awareness of the upcoming digital transition.

DISH Network and LIN TV will work together to educate consumers about the Feb. 17, 2009 switch by providing information about transition requirements and digital-to-analog converter boxes. •